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Community Resources & Guidance

Unexpected events are an inevitable part of everyday life. While all unanticipated events aren’t always negative or time-sensitive, many require immediate attention and the preceding knowledge to respond in a calm, effective manner. This page is designed to connect you to local community services and contacts that will aid you in times of crisis.

Dial 2-1-1

211 is a telephone service that connects you to a range of health and human service information. Highly trained specialists will assess your needs (big or small) and provide referrals to proper assistance. The multilingual, confidential call-line is available 24 hours a day, year-round free of charge. You can also search for resources by visiting www.211ct.org, information includes but is not limited to:

North Haven Residentshave access to a range of counseling services offered through North Haven Community Services, including 24-hour mental health emergency services for ongoing clients. The counseling center is located on the first floor of the Town Hall Anex, 5 Linsley Street, North Haven. Call (203)-239-5321 ext. 500.

Food Banks & Pantries

For more locations, days & times: Text HUNGER to 888111

North Haven Food Bank

DCSR maintains and operates a food bank for North Haven residents. Their “client choice” food bank empowers residents to select their own food based upon taste and dietary restrictions. This service is available by appointment during normal week day business hours. Any questions regarding donations or any residents interested in accessing the food bank, please contact Kim Bracale in the Department of Community Services and Recreation Monday through Friday from 8:30am-4:30pm at 203-239-5321 x502.

Shelters & Warming Stations

Overnight Warming Centers opened in Hamden January 7th through February.The town of Hamden has partnered with Columbus House Inc. who had trained staff monitoring the centers from 10:00PM to 6:00PM, 7 days a week. Please note that these warming stations do not provide beds but rather a clean, safe, indoor environment to wait out harsh, cold nights. If you need a shelter that provides beds dial 2-1-1 for referral.

Emergency Housing

Hillside Family Shelter (203)-777-7848

Columbus House (203)-401-4400

Emergency Shelter Management (203)-777-2522

Taking Initiative Center is a drop in center and safe place for homeless individuals and/or those who are recovering from addiction. 514 Whalley Avenue, New Haven (203)-389-2970 ext. 1317

In the event of a public health emergency requiring relocation, shelters for Bethany, Hamden, North Haven, Orange & Woodbridge can be found here

Overdose

Unintentional drug overdose is now the leading cause of death for Americans under the age of 50. Every 8 minutes a life is lost to an opioid overdose because opiates like heroin or prescription pain killers diminish your body’s automatic drive to breathe.

If you ever suspect you are witnessing a drug overdose CALL 911! Signs includes a person who is unconscious, unresponsive, not breathing or breathing abnormally and has blue lips, nails or skin color. In the State of CT, the 911 Good Samaritan Law protects anyone seeking emergency medical attention for a suspected drug overdose from civil liability and criminal prosecution, even if drugs are present. The law also protects anyone administering Naloxone (Narcan). Please note you may not be protected from arrest if you have an existing warrant or are on probation or parole.

Overdose is avoidable and reversible, if you, a friend or a loved one struggles with substance use, call the health department at (203)248-4528 to learn how you can get an opioid overdose reversal kit.

Connecticut’s Health Care Resource Guide

211 created this resource guide to help Connecticut residents navigate state, federal and privately purchased health care coverage and to aid those individuals who are currently uninsured, ineligible for coverage or unable to afford health related costs.

The Office of the Health Care Advocate (OHA) recognizes that health care can be overwhelming and confusing. The OHA is an agency that advocates for CT healthcare consumers by holding insurance providers accountable, helping you successfully resolve any obstacles free of charge.

Behavioral Health Service Guide

CT Clearinghouse serves as a library & resource center for Alcohol, Tobacco, Other Drugs, Mental Health & Wellness. Their behavioral health service guide provides an overview of local emergency services, resources, support groups, along with national and regional organizations for residents statewide.